Carolina Hurricanes Tickets

It seems like only yesterday that the Carolina Hurricanes were on top of the NHL, hoisting the Stanley Cup trophy.

Then again, that seems like ages ago when you check the current standings in the Southeast Division. The Hurricanes used to dominate the division, but now its the Washington Capitals who are taking over.

Things aren't nearly as much fun these days for the Hurricanes, who are in third place and on the outside looking in when it comes to the possibility of postseason play.

The upcoming schedule is a weak one, so the Hurricanes will have a great chance to make up some ground on the teams battling for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Ray Whitney leads the club in scoring with 47 points and 29 assists. Eric Staal is the top goal scorer with 26 on the season.

Goaltending hasn't been a problem for the Hurricanes, as Cam Ward has been solid all season long. Ward is giving up just 2.59 goals per game and has a save percentage north of 91 percent.

Backup Michael Leighton has done a respectable job spelling him, giving up just less than three goals per game wtih a save percentage just under 90. That's not that bad for a backup goalie.

The Hurricanes still have a number of holdovers from that Stanley Cup team, so they have plenty of players who know what it takes to win. That's always an important factor when it comes down to winning games with a lot on the line.

Players like Sergei Samsonov, Rod Brind'Amour and Matt Cullen know how to elevate their game and play their best when the time is most meaningful.

It's veteran leadership from those guys that can make the difference down the stretch as the Hurricanes do everything in their power to try and somehow sneak into the playoffs and give themselves a chance to make some noise.